| Abstract |
This study aimed to examine the effects of telerehabilitation exercise programs on pain, functional disability,
and respiratory function in adults with chronic neck pain. Methods: A total of 24 adults aged 20–5 5 y ears w ho h ad
chronic neck pain were enrolled, but 1 participant in the face-to-face exercise group dropped out for personal reasons.
Ultimately, 23 participants (12 in the telerehabilitation exercise group and 11 in the face-to-face exercise group) were
included in the final analysis. Participants were randomly assigned to either the telerehabilitation exercise group, which
applied a real-time telerehabilitation exercise program for neck pain, or the face-to-face exercise group, which personally
visited the exercise center. Both groups carried out the exercise program three times a week for 60 min over 3 weeks.
Prior to the intervention, a pretest was conducted on pain, functional disability, and respiratory function. After completion
of the 3-week telerehabilitation and face-to-face exercise programs, a posttest was conducted. A paired t-test was
employed to compare the pre- and postexercize effects within each group, and an independent t-test was conducted to
compare the changes between the groups. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Neck functional
disability markedly decreased after exercise in both groups (p<.05), with no significant difference observed between
them. In the telerehabilitation exercise group, FVC, FVC% predicted, FEV1, and FEV1% predicted significantly increased
following the intervention (p<0.05), whereas FEV1/FVC showed no significant change. In the face-to-face exercise group,
no significant improvement was observed in pulmonary function (p>.05). Between-group comparisons showed no
significant differences in pulmonary function following the intervention. Conclusion: The telerehabilitation exercise
program improved pain, functional disability, and respiratory function in adults with chronic neck pain. This study confirms
that this program is as effective as the face-to-face exercise program. Therefore, telerehabilitation may be a feasible
alternative for patients with chronic neck pain who have limited access to medical services or time constraints. |